Dental Fillings: Dos and Don'ts
DO
DON'T
Wait at least one hour before eating to allow the composite filling to fully set
Don't eat on the filled side for at least one hour after the appointment
Eat soft foods on the opposite side for the first 24 hours if you experience sensitivity
Don't consume very hot, very cold, or very hard foods for 24–48 hours if sensitivity is present
Take over-the-counter pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen) if there is mild soreness after the anaesthetic wears off
Don't ignore a high bite — if your filling feels raised when you close your teeth, call us for a quick adjustment
Brush gently around the filled tooth from the evening of the same day
Don't bite your cheek or lip while numb — be careful eating and drinking until the anaesthetic wears off fully
Floss the filled tooth daily — good hygiene around the margins prevents secondary decay
Don't use your teeth to open bottles, tear packaging, or crack hard items — this can chip or dislodge a filling
Contact The Tooth Stop if the bite feels high or uneven — a quick adjustment is all that is needed
Don't skip brushing and flossing — food and bacteria at the filling margins cause secondary cavities
Attend regular checkups every 6 months so Dr. P Meghana can monitor the filling's condition
Don't ignore increasing sensitivity or pain after the first few days — contact us if this happens
Do's — in detail
- Wait at least one hour before eating to allow the composite filling to fully set
- Eat soft foods on the opposite side for the first 24 hours if you experience sensitivity
- Take over-the-counter pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen) if there is mild soreness after the anaesthetic wears off
- Brush gently around the filled tooth from the evening of the same day
- Floss the filled tooth daily — good hygiene around the margins prevents secondary decay
- Contact The Tooth Stop if the bite feels high or uneven — a quick adjustment is all that is needed
- Attend regular checkups every 6 months so Dr. P Meghana can monitor the filling's condition
Don'ts — in detail
- Don't eat on the filled side for at least one hour after the appointment
- Don't consume very hot, very cold, or very hard foods for 24–48 hours if sensitivity is present
- Don't ignore a high bite — if your filling feels raised when you close your teeth, call us for a quick adjustment
- Don't bite your cheek or lip while numb — be careful eating and drinking until the anaesthetic wears off fully
- Don't use your teeth to open bottles, tear packaging, or crack hard items — this can chip or dislodge a filling
- Don't skip brushing and flossing — food and bacteria at the filling margins cause secondary cavities
- Don't ignore increasing sensitivity or pain after the first few days — contact us if this happens
Good to Know
- Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for 2–3 days after a filling is completely normal and usually resolves on its own.
- If sensitivity lasts more than a week or worsens, contact The Tooth Stop — in rare cases the filling may need adjustment or further evaluation.
- Composite fillings can stain over time with heavy consumption of tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco. Regular professional cleanings at The Tooth Stop keep them looking their best.
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The Tooth Stop · BTM Layout, Bangalore · +91 8618 910 357